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The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM), in collaboration with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Gies Foundation and academic leaders from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, hosted a two-day speaker series on February 13-14, 2025, to promote academic dentistry and professional development. The first day encouraged SIU SDM students to consider academic dentistry as a career pathway, while the second day provided faculty with valuable insights into professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Funded by a grant from the ADEA Gies Foundation, the students’ workshop on February 13, "Creating Awareness in Academic Dentistry," engaged students in discussions about the benefits and opportunities within careers in dental academia. Highlights of the presentation and workshop included sessions on leadership development, dental portfolios, educational and research scholarship, and mentorship. The event provided students with valuable insights into professional development, intra-professional strategies, and networking with peers and leaders.

The session featured guest speakers, including Associate Dean of Student Admissions and Recruitment Rosa Chaviano-Moran, DMD, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Herminio Perez, DMD, MBA, EdD. The program also included a panel moderated by SIU SDM student leaders from the Student Council and the American Student Dental Association Chapter where SIU SDM junior faculty shared their experiences about their professional journey. The event was organized by the SIU SDM Office for Career Development, with support from Dean Drukteinis, who opened the event with motivational remarks emphasizing the rewards of an academic career in dentistry.

"Our primary goal at SIU SDM is to graduate caring and compassionate dentists who serve communities across Illinois and the nation," said Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS, Assistant Dean for Career Development. "Nonetheless, academic dentistry offers a deeply rewarding career path for those interested in making a meaningful impact for the profession. This workshop was designed to educate, motivate, and inspire dental students to explore careers in academic dentistry. It was a great opportunity for our students to discover career paths beyond traditional clinical practice."

Garcia introduced students to the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program (ADCFP), a new initiative launching this semester to support those pursuing academic careers. The program offers guidance, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to teaching and academic opportunities, providing invaluable support for students interested in to explore this field.

On February 14, the focus shifted to faculty development with a Lunch and Learn session featuring Perez. His keynote presentation, "Professional Development and the Pursuit of Happiness," encouraged faculty to reflect on career satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

The two-day event successfully fostered dialogue on academic career opportunities for students and reinforced the importance of professional development for faculty, aligning with SIU SDM’s mission to support excellence in dental education.

The ADEAGies Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). The Foundation is uniquely positioned to uncover and promote innovative, future-ready oral health initiatives that advance dental education and elevate the dental professions.

The Foundation draws upon ADEA’s vast expertise and network of dental deans, allied program directors, faculty, students, residents and fellows, corporate and philanthropic partners to bring its agenda to life. The Foundation supports grants, programs, scholarships and special initiatives that develop leaders in academic dentistry and ensure a robust future faculty.

PHOTO:  (left) Herminio Perez, DMD, MBA, Ed, Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS, Assistant Dean for Career Development, SIU SDM students and junior faculty, and Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, Dean of SIU SDM (far right)